Bad Driving Habits That Are Damaging Your Car

When the car is running smoothly and things seem a-okay in the driver’s seat, we don’t often stop to think about how a car degrades with use. We have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you drive efficiently for the lifespan of your vehicle.

We know it goes good for a few dirty burnouts, but its not so good for your vehicle long term. Sometimes everyday drivers do this when reversing from a carpark and changing into a forward gear before the car has come to a stop. It all adds up and drivers that do this are often more likely to be coughing up for gearbox, drive shaft, or CV joint repairs and replacements.

Sometimes it’s tempting to hold out on topping out the tank as long as you can. Driving on empty tanks have been proven to degrade fuel systems. Studies show that constant low fuel levels can cause the fuel to warm, and in turn warm the fuel pump - which can lead to early pump failure. This ends up costing you more at the mechanics than it’s worth to coast round on empty!

We know it’s safer to drive with both hands on the wheel, but a pretty common bad driving habit to avoid is the old ‘resting hand’ on your gear lever. Putting weight on the level can transfer down the linkages right through to the internal components and lead to premature wear and tear. If you were wondering how to make your car last longer, then it’s a pretty simple habit to knock!

Want to know how to use less fuel when driving? Don’t we all! Those prices at the pump certainly sting. Every wee bit counts. Driving without aggressive breaking and accelerating is the best way to lower fuel consumption on the daily—and it will make for a smoother ride.

An easy win is taking out any excess weight from the car. If your hiking gear or golf clubs are taking up space and not getting the use case you might have hope… take em out! Your fuel consumption will noticeably go down without the added weight.

Your vehicle is big… and heavy! An automatic car’s parking pawl is a tiny metal lever no bigger than your finger - so could break pretty easily. Using parking brakes is a great way to avoid wear and tear on that small part that holds your cars weight. The handbrake should always be on when you park - even on a flat surface.

A few small costs for routine vehicle maintenance is a great way to make your car last a while longer without confronting too many massive bills along the way. Review the manufacturers recommendations around what that maintenance schedule might look like. Try and stick to them. Those oil changes, tire rotations, checkups and services might save you and your car from some hefty costs, and will keep your car in better health for the long term.

Forgetting to keep your tires in shape is a classic bad habit that drivers often fall into. Regular rotations, tyre pressure checks and inspections will keep your car happy for longer. We sometimes forget that the tyres are like the legs a car stands on, and any issues with them can compromise the entire vehicle’s structural integrity. That could lead to quicker wear and tear than is expected and ultimately shorten the lifespan of your car.

Blue Sky Finance appreciate that even with your best efforts, sometimes a car reaches the end of its lifespan quicker than you anticipate. When a new set of wheels is on the horizon, we are here to help. With finance sussed as quick as 2 hours, we are in your corner. Get in touch on 0800 258 375 or apply online today!